Field Trip

In the south western part of Bangladesh, in the district of greater Khulna, lies the Sundarbans, "the beautiful forest." The Sundarban is a cluster of islands with an approximate area of 3600 sq. km forming the largest block of littoral forests. It's beauty lies in its unique natural surrounding. Thousands of meandering streams, creeks, rivers and estuaries have enhanced its charm. Sundarbans meaning beautiful forest is the natural habitat of the world famous Royal Bengal Tiger, spotted deer, crocodiles, jungle fowl, wild boar, lizards, rhesus monkey and an innumerable variety of beautiful birds. Migratory flock of Siberian ducks flying over thousands of sail boats loaded with timber, golpatta (round-leaf), fuel wood, honey, shell and fish further add to the serene natural beauty of the Sundarbans.

This is indeed a land for the sportsmen. the anglers and the photographer with its abundance of game. big and small, crocodile. wild bear. deer, pythons. wild birds and above all the Royal Bengal tiger, cunning, ruthless and yet majestic and graceful. For the less adventurou5ly inclined, there are ducks and snipes. heron and coots. yellow-lags and sandpipers. It is also the land for the ordinary holiday makers who desire to rest or wander around to refresh their mind.

Major Attractive Spots

The Sundarbans is an abundant natural resource for a number of leisure, travel and research activities. These include wild life photography of the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, wild life viewing, boating inside the forest, wild call recordings, nature study, meeting fishermen, wood- cutters and honey-collectors. Peace and tranquility in the wilderness, seeing the world's largest mangrove forest and the revering beauty are a few of the treasures that greet the visitors.

Below is a list of famous places to be kept in mind for the wildlife spotter :

Hiron Point (Nilkamal) for tiger, deer, monkey, crocodiles, birds and natural beauty. 
Katka for deer, tiger, crocodiles, varieties of birds and monkey, morning and evening symphony of wild fowls. Vast expanse of grassy meadows running from Katka to Kachikhali (Tiger Point) provide opportunities for wild tracking. 
Tin Kona Island for tiger and deer. 
DubJar Char (Island) for fishermen. It is a beautiful island where herds of spotted deer are often seen to graze. 

Life Inside The Forest

Only means of transportation inside the forest is by boat. There is no road or no trail of a path anywhere! The wood-cutters make temporary dwellings at the edge of the forest at a height of 8-10 feet for fear of wild animals, others live on boats. In the Chandpai region it is fascinating to see the nomadic fishermen (living with families on boats) catching fish with the help of trained otter. Exciting activities take place in Dublar Char in the forest when fishermen from Chittagong gather for four months (mid Oct. to mid Feb. ) to catch and dry fish. But the most daring and exciting activities are presented by the honey-collectors who work in groups for just two months (April-May) and it is interesting to see how they locate a hive and then collect honey.

Flora and Fauna

The Sundarbans is endowed by nature with rich flora and fauna. It is a wonderful place to see or to shoot a Royal Bengal Tiger with Camera if one has the time to wait in the forest. There are a good number of tigers in the Sundarbans. Lovely spotted deer are easy to find. Besides there is a wide variety of wild life for which the Sundarbans is so famous.

Forest Area, Boundaries and Climate

The Sundarbans cover an area of nearly 240 sq. miles or 3600 sq. km. and is bounded in the north by Bagerhat, Khulna and Satkhira districts, in the south by the Bay of Bengal, in the east by Baleswar (or Haringhata) river, Perojpur, Barisal district, and in the west by Raimangal and Hariabhanga rivers which partially form Bangladesh boundary with West Bengal in India.

The climate in the Sundarbans is moderate. Air is humid. Full monsoon is from June to September. The annual rainfall average between 65 and 70 inches. During ebb-tide the forest becomes bare by 6-7 feet and at high tide (30 miles an hour) the entire territory of the forest floats on water.

Health Precautions Requirements

Drinking water is to be carried as the water available is saline. Cholera vaccine is to be taken well in advance. Anti-malarial, anti-diarrhoeal, insect repellent cream, green coconuts, medical kit, light tropical dress, thick rubber sol.